requirementsanalysisofinformationintegrationofsmalland.docVIP

Requirements Analysis of Information Integration of Small and Medium Size Ports with Port Communities using Web Portals: A Swedish Port Perspective Annika Heneseya*, Henrik Sternbergb and Lawrence Heneseyc a*East West Transport Corridor Project - Region Blekinge, Biblioteksgatan 4, Karlshamn, Sweden 37435 Email: annika@ Tel: +46 (0)733 277053 Fax: +46 (0)454 15358 bDepartment of Logistics and Transportation – Chalmers University of Technology G?teborg, Sweden S-412 96 Email: Henrik.Sternberg@chalmers.se Tel: +46 (0)709 481295 Fax: + 46 (0)31 7721337 cDepartment of Systems and Software Engineering – Blekinge Institute of Technology, Box 214 Karlshamn, Sweden S-37424 Email: lhe@bth.se Tel: +46 (0)454 385902 Fax: + 46 (0)454 19104 Requirements Analysis of Information Integration of Small and Medium Size Ports with Port Communities using Web Portals: A Swedish Port Perspective Abstract Information Technology has opened new ways for firms to both create and manage competitive advantages within their respective industries. Ports and the business of maritime shipping are no exception to the use of such tools. This paper investigates methods for interconnecting ports with their partners and assesses such port community systems in the context of a case study in Sweden. Based upon data collected on ports in Sweden, a framework for implementing a port-portal along with a well-defined methodology is outlined. Keywords: Ports, portals, networking, information sharing, system development, Introduction Information technology (IT) in logistics is, when correctly implemented, contributing to cost-efficiency, quality and agility of the distribution chain (Closs et al., 2005, Nilsson, 2005, Stefansson, 1998, Stefansson, 2004, Tilanus, 1997). Ports worldwide being no exception to this, are intensively investing in advanced IT systems to improve capacity and operations – a strong determinant of competitive advantage between port